Do double duty this holiday season as you mingle at various holiday gatherings. Have fun, but take the opportunity to network.

At your company lunch or dinner, sit next to someone you will be working with on an upcoming project or someone you want to work with in the future. But don’t talk shop, advises Forbes. “[S]kip the work chat, and use this time to ask them where they’re spending the holidays or what their favorite dish is this time of year. Your goal is to build a connection with someone on a personal level that will motivate him or her to make more time to hear your work ideas later,” says the magazine.

If you’re at an industry function, connect with peers from other companies and potential clients. Go up and introduce yourself.